Residential Solar Power System Upgrade

Last week we upgraded our solar power system for our home. Since we live off-the-grid in Hawaii, this was a major cause for celebration, which included dancing and lots of toasting well into the evening.

We now have a 48-volt system with 1600 Watts of solar panels on the roof. We also have 8 – 420 amp-hr batteries for storage and a 3 KW inverter.

With regard to how common off-grid living is in Hawaii, it’s mixed. On-grid is typical on Oahu, Kauai and the resort areas of Maui and the Big Island. Off-grid is more common on East Maui and the rest of the Big Island.

The total cost of the upgrade (i.e., ripping out then entire old system, save a few solar panels on the roof) was about $11,000. With the cost of grid energy in Maui hovering around 40 cents per kilowatt hour, this upgrade pays for itself in three years. If the price of diesel fuel keeps rising, the break even day will come even faster. There are also the environmental benefits of not spewing diesel fumes and CO2. And by not erecting power lines, we preserve the amazing ocean views. Here’s to solar power!

You’re right that living totally off the grid pays off faster, but there are still major benefits to solar if you’re on the grid, especially in gloriously sunny Tucson.

Many in your situation opt for grid-tie systems that essentially counters their meter usage, effectively dropping the bill to zero. And with energy prices rising, it’s a good hedge against future rate increases. Whatever you decide, best of luck!